Noumenon / Rooftops
Split 7”
Self-Released; 2009
When I first sent the four tracks from this 7” record spinning through my ears, I was immediately impressed with how talented these two acts are independently and then how well one’s sound complemented the other’s. Noumenon hails from Chicago, IL and creates some remarkably noisy math-rock for a mere guitar/bass/drums power trio. Where the band excels on their two tracks, entitled “Brorags.com, For All Your Bro Rag Needs” and “Deans La Deans,” is in how the three gentlemen remain technically precise with their time signature and tempo shifts, yet revel in the chance to deliver a good time to the listener. This is a tightly woven act that, rather than overwhelm you with instrumental prowess, has decided to lay down a series of excellent and rocking grooves. The music of Rooftops comes to us from Bellingham, WA and is a keen example of wound-up, mathy post-rock. “Robuts” and “Untitled” highlight two intertwining guitar lines filled with elements of jazz guitar as well as the aforementioned math-rock sensibilities, all while a very meticulous drummer moves things along with intense energy. Personally, I would quite like to hear a bassist join the band, if only to provide the low end to balance out the often very trebly (yet enjoyable) guitar noodling. I’m interested in seeing where Noumenon and Rooftops will be heading with their music in the future.
April 28th, 2010 08:16